Sleep apnea affects more than just your energy throughout the day. It has deeper health consequences, such as weight gain, and can even result in heart disease.
With weight being a factor in worsening sleep apnea, the two go hand-in-hand and can create a vicious cycle.
It’s important to not lose hope. Dr. Sage White and his team at Southern Utah Sleep & TMJ Center have the experience, technology, and top-notch care. We’ll work together to help you find the most effective treatment for your condition.
Here’s some information on the effects of your weight on sleep apnea, and how to manage the symptoms.
How Weight Loss Can Improve Your Sleep
Losing weight has a lot of benefits, such as:
- Improved mood and self confidence
- Lowered risk for heart disease and diabetes
- Increased lifespan
But did you know your weight and sleep work together? Sleep can aid weight loss, and is highly recommended to pair with an active lifestyle. On another hand, being overweight can prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.
When you have a good night’s sleep, your body functions at it’s best. Your body stores energy and fat during the night. During the day cravings are reduced, since nutrition is properly absorbed. This makes weight loss more successful.
Losing weight can also alleviate pressure on your airway, which when blocked causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. White can help you with treatment for this condition, and can recommend lifestyle tips too.
How Treatment Affects Your Weight
A common treatment for OSA is the CPAP, or a continuous positive airway pressure machine. CPAP machines are effective in some cases, but are known to be loud, bulky, and uncomfortable. Correspondingly, a 2015 study has shown that CPAPactually has adverse effects on your weight.
Dr. White offers a comfortable alternative to CPAP, oral appliance therapy. With a custom-fitted device, you can comfortably stop your snoring, feel better in the morning, and be on your way to a healthier lifestyle, all starting with a good night’s rest.
Exercise and Your Diet
Losing weight can positively affect your life in so many ways. It can be difficult, but the ultimate reward is worth it.
We’re all busy, and it’s hard to incorporate healthy habits into our already full days. But little changes, like taking a walk before dinner, drinking more water, or even starting a new hobby can make a huge difference. You can also discover a new community to share your victories with.
Your diet plays a huge role in weight loss, as well. Nourishing your body with nutritious, wholesome foods will positively impact both your mental and physical health.
Specialists recommend following a simple guide, like the Mediterranean Diet, to make dieting enjoyable and less restricting. These foods include whole grains, lean meats, and lots of leafy greens.
Rediscover Life’s Freedoms With Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you’re looking to treat your sleep apnea, you’ve found the right place. We’ll be behind you every step of the way to reclaiming your night’s rest, and rediscovering an energized, passionate life. Call us at (435) 276-0486 to schedule your consultation with Dr. White.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can weight loss cure sleep apnea?
While weight loss can drastically improve your sleep apnea symptoms, most sleep apnea cases can’t be permanently cured. However, weight loss has been shown to reduce symptoms for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA causes you to stop breathing due to a blockage in the airway. In some cases, the weight of your neck narrows and blocks the airway during sleep. As a result, losing weight can help clear your airway and significantly improve your sleep apnea symptoms.
Before starting any weight loss program, make sure to talk with Dr. White about your goals and what impact weight loss may have on your symptoms.
Can people who aren’t overweight have sleep apnea?
Yes — while being overweight is a common underlying cause of sleep apnea, people of all sizes and ages can develop the disorder. That’s why it’s essential to take careful note of any symptoms you’re experiencing and undergo a sleep test if you think there’s even a chance you have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is affected by many factors besides weight. For example, a larger neck circumference or smaller airway due to anatomical development can be the cause of breathing problems. Maintaining a healthy body weight won’t guarantee that you don’t develop sleep apnea, but it should at least help you manage your symptoms.